Protesters win delay on theatre demolition

Campaigners fighting plans to save a historic London theatre have won a partial victory after the High Court granted an injunction to stop it being demolished.

Hackney council has approved a plan to knock down Dalston Theatre. But this is now on hold after protesters won the right for a full judicial review of the scheme.

Campaigners, calling themselves the Organisation for Promotion of Environmental Needs, want the court to examine the way Hackney granted itself planning permission to demolish the buildings at 4-14 Dalston Lane. The site also includes two Georgian terrace houses.

Developers plan a 20-storey tower with about 300 flats. But none are as yet earmarked as affordable homes.

Six weeks ago protesters occupied the 120- year- old theatre, which hosted Bob Marley and Bob Dylan and is described by art historians as "irreplaceable".